50 ideas for Sioux Falls summer fun

Jun. 21, 2013

Written by

More details

List of bands, movies and events: Sounds at the Falls at the Queen Bee Mill: Performers include Poker Alice on June 22, Mogen’s Heroes on June 29, a Bare Bodkin’s Shakespeare performance on July 6, Bang Tail on July 13, Wolfgram and Good Looking Men in Clever Rooms on July 20, Condor on July 27, Goodroad on Aug. 3, Nearly Wild on Aug. 10, the Merdtones on Aug. 17, Brian Masek Band on Aug. 24 and Surfin’ Safari on Aug. 31.

Summer Concert Series at the Old Courthouse Museum: A list of performers through August include The Cartwright Brothers today, Bjarv on June 28, Jim & Jay on July 5, Mogen’s Heroes on July 12, Mat D. on July 19, Rob wd Plains Folk on Aug. 30.

Moonlight Movies: A list of film showings for the summer include “The Lorax” on Saturday, “Back to the Future” on June 29, “Antz” on July 6, “School of Rock” on July 13, “The Karate Kid” on July 20, “Wall-E” on July 27, “Annie” on Aug. 3, “Rise of the Guardians” on Aug. 10, “Apollo 13” on Aug. 17, “Escape from Planet Earth” on Aug. 24 and “The Avengers” on Aug. 31.

Lucky for us, not only does this city know how to tackle winter well, we know how to embrace summer’s delight, too. There is so much to do in Sioux Falls, your kids won’t even recognize the word “bored” by September.

Today is the first official day of summer, a perfect opportunity to begin filling your calendar with seasonal activities. Sure, you could take a vacation to the mountains or frolic on tropical beaches, but that sounds expensive, and you can have just as much fun here. At home.

I love calling Sioux Falls home because of the opportunities that thrive here. For the past eight years, I have gotten to know the community, restaurants, parks and local events, and it’s because of those memories that I’m so passionate about this city. From the farmers markets to local coffeehouses to B&G Milky Way corn dogs, why would anyone want to ignore a beautiful summer day here?

I don’t need a plane ticket to a fancy resort – the swim-up bar at Wild Water West is just as fun, and my friends are there! I’d rather picnic at the Palisades than make my way through a crabby tourist crowd any day, and nothing beats a free movie under the stars at the same park where I can watch a bike tour go by or catch a live jazz show a few days later.

Speaking of live music, we don’t mess around. You may have heard of JazzFest or LifeLight, but local musicians can even be heard playing on the corner of Phillips Avenue on a summer weekend, the same spot where a horse and carriage may have just passed you by.

And that’s a local artist sitting across the street, drawing his version of a SculptureWalk sculpture perched in front of The Diner, where your neighbors are probably enjoying malts on the patio.

Stick around, and make a date with Sioux Falls this summer.

We have 50 plans for you to get started — in no particular order — but once you get that view of the city during your hike at Great Bear, you won’t need a list to help you realize just how cool your home is this time of year.

(Page 2 of 8)

50 plans for summer

1. Sioux Falls Trolley

Ding-ding! Discover downtown’s beauty through a free ride on the historic trolley, which runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. during the summertime. Stops include Falls Park, 8th & RR and many other downtown destinations., Sioux Falls Coliseum, Old Courthouse Museum, Museum of Visual Materials, Siouxland Libraries Main Branch, City Hall, Carnegie Town Hall, The Federal Building, The Orpheum Theater and 8th & RR Center.

2. Observation Tower at Falls Park

Nothing beats this view. Enjoy a panoramic look at your city, or take the perfect family picture. Hours of the Visitor Center are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; the tower closes at 8:50 p.m. each night.

3. Summer Concert Series

This is my kind of lunch break. Every Friday from noon to 1 p.m., enjoy free live music in the Old Courthouse Museum’s Reardon Plaza. Bring your own sack lunch, or purchase one from the available vendor.

4. Picnics

Our parks are not only family-friendly, they’re the perfect lunch spot, too. Pack a basket and bring a blanket to enjoy a summer day at Tuthill Park, which includes a formal garden, playgrounds, picnic shelters and disc golf.

5. Moonlight Movies

Snuggle up with blankets and popcorn to enjoy a free family film at Fawick Park. The weekly family-friendly event begins at dusk and includes popcorn, candy and pop for purchase. Bring a blanket, chair or picnic basket, but no alcohol or smoking is allowed.

6. First Friday

Downtown hosts First Friday every month, but the summer events are much sweeter: musicians and artists performing on the streets, and free horse and carriage rides. Stop inside galleries to meet local artists, and take the trolley from one stop to the next.

7. Sioux Falls Municipal Band

Honk your horns and tap your toes to some great tunes. The band performs 35 themed concerts in parks and neighborhoods throughout the summer, including but you can catch them every 8 p.m. Sunday at either the Terrace or McKennan park band shells.

(Page 3 of 8)

8. SculptureWalk

Located along Phillips and Main avenues and Eighth Street, the annual outdoor art event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Take a stroll to view the 55 sculptures, then fill out a People’s Choice ballot and place in the drop boxes around downtown.

9. Farmers markets

Shop for produce, flowers, breads and more at three area markets held Saturdays through October. The Falls Park Farmers Market is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Sioux Empire Farmers Market is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 8th & RR parking lot, and Knobloch’s Produce hosts a market in the Callaway’s parking lot from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

10. Downtown Block Parties

Come to the Eastbank during First Fridays for live music, food and drink vendors and shopping. On July 5, June Embers and headliner Useful Jenkins will perform, and on Aug. 5, Songs of Eli and Mike Connor will hit the stage. Entertainment also includes kids’ activities and an arts competition.

11. Jazz at Fawick

Hang out by the river while enjoying some free local jazz. Beginning at 7 p.m. Thursdays in August, performers include Gene McGowan and Kaija Bonde with the Dixieland Band on Aug. 1, Sioux Falls Big Band on Aug. 8, Jazz Portraits on Aug. 15 and Kepler’s Theory on Aug. 22. Bring a blanket, chair or picnic basket for the show.

12. Fishing

Families will go fishing together and learn about equipment, casting skills and species during a summer class at The Outdoor Campus. Class days are June 22, July 13 and 18 and Aug. 8 and 17.

13. Sertoma Butterfly House

They’ll perch right on your shoulder if you let them. Stroll through the 80-degree oasis, which features more than 800 free-flying tropical butterflies from around the world. Also see marine aquariums and a shark and stingray touch pool. Families are also welcome to join Sea and Sky Saturdays, an educational event held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month.

14. Baseball

Crackerjacks, anyone? Watch the Canaries and join the fun at Sioux Falls Stadium this summer. Friday night baseball games include fireworks, Saturday games have live music and Sunday is Family Fun Day, where kids can get autographs. Bring your dog out June 27 for Bark in the Park.

(Page 4 of 8)

15. Sounds at the Falls

On Saturday nights through Aug. 31, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation invites families to attend a free concert from 7-9 p.m. at the historic Queen Bee Mill in Falls Park. Seating is available, but guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

16. Tour Sioux Falls

Let’s ride! Novice and experienced cyclists can join the weekend bike event that includes a 20-mile route along the Sioux Falls bike path on Saturday and a cyclovia downtown on Sunday. The weekend also will include live music and family entertainment at Falls Park and the River Greenway Amphitheatre.

17. Storyland Children’s Theatre

During June and July, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation hosts eight free children’s theater productions at McKennan Park. The free shows are welcome to all ages and include audience participation and songs.

18. Fourth of July

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 13th Street downtown and travel north on Phillips Avenue to Falls Park. A free lunch will be served at Falls Park at 11 a.m., and the Sioux Falls Municipal Band will play at 11:30 a.m. Mayor Mike Huether will give a welcome address at noon, and Mogen’s Heroes will perform at 12:30 p.m. There also will be a play at 1:30 p.m. inside the Queen Bee Mill.

19. JazzFest

The free 22nd music festival is July 18-20 in Yankton Trail Park, with headliner Sheryl Crow. will headline the free event on Saturday. Many area acts will play on the second stage. This year’s event includes fireworks, a JazzFest Jazz Camp and a 5K Run and Fun Walk.

20. LifeLight

The free three-day Christian music festival, which starts Aug. 30 near Worthing, marks its 16th anniversary this year. The festival plans live music, onsite camping, shopping, food vendors, arts and children’s areas, games, skateboarding and late-night dance parties. It is held near Worthing, about 12 miles south of Sioux Falls.

21. Patio dining

Because we’re from the Midwest, and it’s cold 11 months of the year, we really appreciate the sunshine when we can. That’s why downtown or any restaurant patio in the city is the place to be when the sun is up. Dine al fresco on Phillips Avenue or along the river at Wild Sage Grille. Feed the ducks at Granite City, enjoy patio specials at kRav’N or enjoy live music with your sangria at Bracco.

(Page 5 of 8)

22. Japanese Gardens

It’s like stepping into a secret garden. On the shore of Covell Lake near Terrace Park, you’ll find waterfalls, walking paths and cozy shelters to have lunch or read a book. Families come here for outdoor weddings or reunions, but it’s a perfect place for solitude as well.

23. Great Bear Recreational Park

Snowboarders are their most popular guest in the winter, but Great Bear is a hiker’s haven this time of year. The Ralph and Dorothy Wallin Nature Trail winds through rolling hills and valleys of the park, offering beautiful views of the city and secluded creeks along the valley. The 3.7-mile trail system has three loops, ranging from difficult to leisurely.

24. Newton Hills State Park

Not only can you take the family camping to this state park outside Canton, but recreational programs are offered 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. during the summer. Guests can also enjoy hiking trails, wildlife and church services at 9 a.m. Sundays.

25. Rock climbing

Head to Palisades State Park along Split Rock Creek near Garretson for a beautiful view and a great workout. Learn basic climbing techniques during a class from 6-9 p.m. July 23. Other opportunities there include picnics, hikes and camping.

26. Moonlight Bike Rides

Enjoy a twilight ride with fellow bikers on June 21, July 19, Aug. 23, Sept, 20 and Oct. 18. Meet at Fawick Park at 8 p.m. Helmets and a red rear blinking light are required, and the ride is free.

27. Sidewalk Arts Festival

The annual downtown arts fest is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7, shop local vendors, arts, crafts and homewares on the streets near the Washington Pavilion.

28. CineDome films

Rainy summer day? Those are the worst. Enjoy the day anyway by catching an afternoon flick at the Wells Fargo CineDome inside the Washington Pavilion. “Tornado Alley” and “Titans of the Ice Age” are currently showing, but they offer newer box office films as well, such as “Oz the Great and Powerful” or “The Croods.”

(Page 6 of 8)

29. Yoga

All this summer fun will have you hankering for some R&R. Join a beginner’s yoga class at Eastbank Yoga in 8th & Railroad Center, held 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday.

30. Summer Porch Series

Strawbale Winery near Renner hosts live music 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Tickets are $5 per carload. Strawbale also hosts Sangria Sundays during the summertime, featuring live music from 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

31. Automania

The free car show will be June 28 in Brandon, featuring muscle cars, hot rods, imports, sports cars, classics and motorcycles along Holly Boulevard from 3-11 p.m., along with food, vendors and live beach music by The Surfari’s “Wipe Out” and the Kahuna Beach Party.

32. Rhythm on the River

Area musicians will perform free shows 7-9 p.m. Friday nights in July and August at the amphitheater along the Downtown Riverfront between Eighth and Sixth streets.

33. Hot Harley Nights

The 18th annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish South Dakota will be July 12-14. The event includes a silent and live auction, vendors and live music at J & L Harley Davidson throughout the weekend; a casino run; a motorcycle parade downtown at 6 p.m. Saturday; and live music by JukeBox Zeroes at Falls Park West on Saturday night.

34: Hot Summer Nites

Rev your engines for downtown’s “hottest” night of the summer July 17, featuring Corvettes and Harleys parked along Phillips and Main avenues between Ninth and 14th streets. A Harley parade will begin at 6:45 p.m., and The Rumbles will perform live at 11th Street and Main Avenue from 7:30-10 p.m.

35. Mondays at McKennan

Enjoy free live music at 7 p.m. Mondays from July 15-Aug. 19 at the McKennan Park Band Shell. Performers include The Apostles, Hegg Brothers, DNR, The Barley Jacks, Fiddler Nelson and the Sioux Emperians Barbershop Chorus.

36. Wall Lake

Take a trip west of Sioux Falls to boat on the lake or lounge on the swimming beach for an afternoon of summer fun. Wall Lake Park has outdoor recreation activities and picnic shelters on a hilltop.

(Page 7 of 8)

37. Wild Water West Waterpark

Get set to get wet! Between the lazy river, wave pool, swim-up bar and waterslides, kids — and adults, too — will never want to leave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. families are welcome for all kinds of fun in the sun.

38. Turner County Fair

From Aug. 12-15, celebrate South Dakota’s oldest county fair in Parker. Families are welcome to enjoy the carnival, rodeo, barbecues, 4-H exhibits, bingo, live music, tractor pulls, the zoomobile and animals.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” shows at the Orpheum Theater at 7 p.m. today, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5. SECT also will host summer camps for kids, with performance dates of June 28-29 for “Bugsy Malone Jr.” and Aug. 9-10 for “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”

41. Dakota Irish Fair

Can you hear the bag pipes already? The annual Irish festival will be July 27 at Falls Park West. From 3-10 p.m., enjoy live Irish music and dancing, kids’ activities, heritage and cultural exhibits and food and drink.

42. Horse and carriage rides

How romantic! Take in the sights and sounds of Phillips Avenue during a stroll offered every Friday through August. From 6-8:30 p.m., rides will load at the Plaza by 12th Street and Phillips Avenue, and cost is $5 per person.

43. Historic Walking Tour

On Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., get to know old neighborhoods in Sioux Falls. Tours are $3 and include the Woodlawn Cemetery I today, South McKennan Park on June 27, Duluth Avenue on July 11, Mount Pleasant Cemetery on July 18, Phillips Avenue on Aug. 1, Mount Pleasant Cemetery II on Aug. 8 and Fort Dakota on Aug. 15.

44. Live jazz and barbecue

From 7-9 p.m. Thursday nights, Icon Lounge welcomes friends to enjoy live local jazz music and a summer barbecue on the patio for $6.

(Page 8 of 8)

45. Archery

Ages 8 and older are invited to learn the basics at The Outdoor Campus. Classes will be 6-7:30 p.m. July 2 and 30 and Aug. 15.

46. Nature hike

Join a naturalist during a historic walk through Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, just southeast of Sioux Falls. Hikes begin at 9 a.m. June 29, July 13 and 27, Aug. 10 and 24.

47. S’mores at Crawford’s

Who needs a campground? At Crawford’s Bar and Grill, you can roast your own marshmallows at your table or on the patio for ideal ambience. The downtown restaurant brings mini bunson burners with an open flame and all the trimmings to your table, you just need to start toasting!

48. Drive-in movie theaters

Add a little nostalgia to your summer! Head out to Luverne, Minn., or Mitchell to catch a film under the stars. Both the Verne and Starlite drive-ins feature new box office films with that are family-friendly, and there are two showings nightly beginning at dusk.

49. Sip & Create

Who knew you were such an artist? The home and gift shop Zing on Minnesota Avenue offers classes where you can paint a canvas or create a piece of art while sipping on wine. The next class is a family night from 6-8 p.m. July 1.

50. Road races

Hit the starting line for summer fun. Road races abound in this area, including the Step Forward to Prevent Suicide 5K, Wall Lake Sprint Triathalon and the Quarry Days 5K in Dell Rapids, all on Saturday. July races include the Firecracker road race in Lennox on July 4, the Fourth of July 5K at Falls Park, the Family Wellness 5K on July 13 and Larchwood Family Days 5K and 10K on July 13, the Run for Beef and Eggs 5K in Brookings on July 13, JazzFest 5K on July 20. and Tour the City 5K and 10K in Madison on July 27.